Candy for gifting - Caramels

I made this recipe years ago and then swore never again after wrapping each individual caramel in plastic wrap. I gave it a go agin this year but placed each one in a mini muffin liner. Much simpler!





Vanilla Caramels

Recipe By : Damsel in dis Dress
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Candies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound melted butter
2 pounds brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 cans sweetened condensed milk

1. Combine first three ingredients in large saucepan.
2. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 minutes, until the syrup
reaches, 245°F
4. Add 1-2 teaspoons vanilla.
5. Pour into buttered, waxed paper lined jelly roll pan.
6. Allow to set for 4-5 hours.
7. Tip onto waxed paper. Cut into squares and wrap each in waxed
paper.

To take the caramels to a new, amazing level, I sprinkled the tops with Sea Salt. (I personally used Penzeys French Coarse Sea Salt). I'll save these for Christmas time only... the recipe makes a lot and it's dangerous to have them in the house. They get devoured way too fast.

Friday, umm, I mean Saturday, it's a Photo!

Last night we welcomed in the holiday season down on main street, watching the annual parade.

A Thankful Month

I've really admired those who are posting their daily thankfulness this month. Getting myself to write every day is a huge challenge, so I'll just throw it all in one post.

I'm ever so thankful for my wonderful husband. He works tirelessly, often without thanks. He helps out around the house and is an amazing father. He is still, after all these years, very much "the one". I cannot adequately express just how special he is.

My darling children, I am so thankful for. My life has been far more richer since you 2 arrived.

Another bonus those children have brought along is the confidence and purpose to see out new friends. I am so lucky to have wonderful, amazing friends, who make this parenting journey that much more enjoyable.

I still feel, and feel it nearly every day, so fortunate to be back here. Surrounded by lakes, pines and family.

The seasons.... few things give me as much peace as knowing the snow will fall, we'll celebrate in winter and the sun will shine again. I'm so looking forward to the holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Friday, It's a Photo

But this one needs some words. These are two garden beds... on the right I've planted garlic. The left one I plane to plant asparagus in the spring, and start the long wait for a producing asparagus patch.

Friday, it's a photo!

Is October really over?

I'm just going to pretend like I didn't miss a whole summer of blogging :)

October and L's birthday! We read the entire Harry Potter series this year and L wanted a "Harry Potter Party". We had an elaborate "Scavenger Hunt" complete with spell casting to find gifts, which were the components of a his Harry Potter costume and some books to go with it.



I made (!) a birthday banner and purchased a Hogwarts one, which is making a nice decoration in our home still.



Each person was sorted into their house when they arrived. They wore the sorting hat and fished into a cauldron for a slip of paper telling them which house they were in.

I made Chocolate Frogs and had Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.



I also made Butter Beer & some "Wands". I also made a cake which did not look at all like an orange cat.... more like a flesh colored rabbit...sorta, but it tasted good.

I think my favorite thing was the expression on his face when he saw the banners up and the sorting hat on the table.

Happy Thoughts....

I really love the addition of your thankful three to you blog, Meghan! I'm often finding my self feeling overwhelmed and writing down the good things, things to be grateful for is an awesome practice.

So, here's my attempt to share the things I'm grateful for, this past weekend.

The boys staying up late for their first fireworks.
Family over twice in one weekend.
L, after weeks (months?) of extreme pickiness, trying my meatloaf and telling me it was so good, we should have in twice a week.
Kids running in the grass, a sky full of hot air balloons and margaritas on the deck!